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Ashley Wood: Newest cheerleader for the 2021 Cincinnati Ben-gals
Credit: Andrew Nicholson

Ashley Wood: Newest cheerleader for the 2021 Cincinnati Ben-gals

CINCINNATI — Professional cheerleader, Ashley Wood has been cheering since she was a Wee Eagle in 3rd grade. She cheered for the Bellbrook Eagles until she graduated in 2014. She is now a member of the 2021 Cincinnati Ben-gals.

After graduation from Bellbrook, she went to school at the University of Kentucky where she was a 4-year varsity member of the dance team and a captain. While competing in Nationals one year, Ashley broke her wrist on her first routine. For her second routine, she taped the pom to her hand so she could perform. She also represented Team USA in the dance team.

Ashley never gives up and pushes herself on a daily basis. She has auditioned for many parts and tried out for many teams. She has a motto, “Great things never come from comfort zones.” She was a Chicago Luvabull (NBA – Chicago Bulls dancer) for the 2018-2019 season, and now has made the Ben-gal squad. “It’s not how you fall (fail), it’s how you get back up.” She loves that as a Ben-gal she will add life, spirit, and entertainment to the “Jungle” this year. “I love that my sport includes some “sparkle”.

Ashley hopes to be a pro-bowl cheerleader in the NFL. One cheerleader is chosen from each team to go to the Pro Bowl each year. She is also hopeful her team will make it to the Superbowl!

Dance is also an integral part of Ashley’s success.  She began dancing at Bellbrook Dance Academy when she was 2. She remembers that her dad would always take her to the donut shop before ballet class. “Now I love donuts!” She grew up training in jazz and ballet, but now does mostly jazz, funk, and hip hop.

Ashley stays in shape for her sport by running and doing Pure Barre almost every day. She also stretches and does the splits once a day. Eating healthy is also an important part of staying in shape.

Out of all of Ashley’s amazing coaches and support system, the most significant is Ashley’s mom and dad. Ashley’s mom has been to almost every audition, has made countless costumes, and always remembers to get Ashley flowers. “I could not have done any of this without my mom.” Dad has also supported her through it all.  “Dance is not a cheap sport, so I was thankful for the training I was able to do as I grew up”.

In her free time, Ashley loves to do creative things like sewing and baking. She coaches a nationally ranked high school team at Seton High School in Cincinnati. She also is a photographer. Visit her website at Ashleywoodphoto.com. She would like to open a dance studio in the future “so I can inspire kids to go for their dreams!”.

She is most proud of never giving up. “I’m 25 and still doing what I love! I’m proud that I’ve never lost my passion for dance and hope to do it for the rest of my life. I hope I’m dancing ballroom in my 60’s”.

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.